Public review coming for good, bad developments

The Maui Planning Commission and the public will soon have an opportunity to review a very good development proposal, Mike Atherton’s in Waikapu, and a very bad proposal, Doug Spencer’s above Maalaea.

Atherton’s Waikapu project features truly affordable housing, a sewage treatment plant, a school site and 800 acres of permanent agriculture. Atherton’s project was modified to address concerns from the community and has the strong support of the Maui Tomorrow Foundation.

Spencer’s Maalaea proposal features 21 lots with septic tanks that could drain sewage into Maalaea Bay, and well water that’s only suitable for agriculture, not for drinking. This area is prone to wildfires and strong winds.

This 257 acres should be in agriculture, not changed to a subdivision by the Maui Planning Commission on Sept. 11.